Not all wood stains are created equal.
So how do you decide? We have sampled many to try to help take the guesswork out of the process for you!
The first thing you need to know is what kind of wood you are staining. If you use the same stain on different types of wood, they will look very different. Seems like a “duh” moment, but I learned this one the hard way.
I had a project, and I wanted to get a new stain to match a piece for a custom order. I Googled images to try and find the best color of stain, and I found one that I thought was super close. Unfortunately, I forgot to look at what type of wood the stain was tested on. I used a different type of wood, and the final result was not at all the same as the example I found!
There are two major types of stains on the market. There is the tried and true, oil-based penetrating stains and the newer gel stains. Additionally, there is a third, less popular option; water-based stains. However, the water-based stains are not usually a go-to for many crafters. You’re probably wondering, how do I decide which wood stain? Well, I’ll leave that up to you, but here’s my opinion on the pros and cons of each.
Gel Stains:
What are they? The name does a good job describing it. The stain is a highly pigmented, goopy gel with an almost pudding-like consistency. They can be found in any hardware store next to your traditional varnishes. Unlike the oil-stain, the gel stain does not soak very far into the wood. Instead, it sits on top of the wood. This can be great news if you hate your stain color because it can be sanded off with a little love. Minwax makes our favorite gel stain.
The Pros:
- Jacob and I, hands down, do like the Gel Stains better and they are great for your novice DIY’er.
- The concentration of the color is great.
- The gel consistency makes for a very easy application. It also eliminates a lot of the spray and mess that can happen when using oil-based stains.
- Quick application. This stain doesn’t need to sit on the wood all that long because it isn’t penetrating. Oftentimes we apply it and immediately wipe the excess off!
The Cons:
- It can be difficult to wipe up if there are cracks, crevices, or imperfections in the wood. When the gel stain gets into the crack, it can sit there and dry. Unlike the oil-based stains, it doesn’t just soak up into a rag or paper towel when wiping. When it dries, it is often very dark and pigmented, drawing attention to that part of your piece.
- Sands off easily. It is not ideal for weathered-looking or distressed projects, a two-step project where you stain the base and paint over it. During the sanding step, the sander may remove the stain itself.
- Excess wiping. With gel stains, the stain wipes up easily, but there is a lot more to wipe up. Gel stains do require you to really make sure the product has been wiped up thoroughly.
Oil-based stains:
Oil-based stains or varnishes are the more traditional route of finishing wood. There are a wide variety of brands, but we do love Minwax and Varathane. These stains soak into the grain and pores of the wood.
The Pros:
- It penetrates and soaks deeper into the wood. As stated above, oil-based stains are the perfect way to go if you are wanting to distress the wood with some sandpaper and give it a more aged and rustic feel.
- It wipes up easily. While gel stains also wipe up easily, oil-based stains will soak more into the rag or old t-shirt you are using which is particularly helpful when staining live edge pieces of wood that have a lot of imperfections.
- It brings out the grain more. Oil-based stains bring out the natural differences in the wood more than a gel stain. Gel stains act more like an in-between for paint and stain.
- A large variety of colors and brands in stores. Oil-based stains have been around for longer and therefore, there is more variety on the market.
The Cons
- The drips. Oil-based stain is a very runny liquid and can easily make a mess if you are not careful. This can leave spatters around your project area, but also, if unseen drips are left on the wood, it can affect the overall look of your finished product.
- Can be absorbed unevenly depending on wood type. If you are using a very porous wood (ash) or even some softwoods (pine), it can absorb unevenly, leaving a blotch and imperfect finish. (This can be prevented by using a wood conditioner.)
Other tips, no matter your stain choice:
Tip #1: read the directions. They are there for a reason, and it can be a game-changer. For example, in the case of an oil-based stain, in the directions, it clearly tells you – stir before using. As an amateur, I thought this was a suggestion and paid the price of a ruined project.
Tip #2: Apply and wipe with the grain. Apply stain in the direction of the grain of the wood and wipe the same way. When wiping up the stain, always go with the grain. That way if you are imperfect in taking up any of the stain, it blends in a little bit better.
Tip #3: Wear gloves and clothes you don’t care too much about. It’s called stain for a reason! It will get all over your hands and clothes no matter how careful you are. Trust me, I’ve tried and failed many times.
I hope this helps with your next woodworking project! If you have any questions, leave it in the comments. Also, if you have any experience working with a water-based stain, I’d love to hear more about it, so let me know.